Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), defined as the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births, is a crucial indicator of a nation’s health and development. While India has witnessed a significant decline in overall IMR from 80 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 27.7 in 2021 (SRS, 2021 – knowledge cutoff), a persistent gender disparity exists. Female IMR consistently remains higher than male IMR, reflecting deeply entrenched socio-cultural biases and systemic inequalities. This trend necessitates a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to this differential and the measures needed to address it.
Trends in Infant Mortality Rate in India
India’s IMR has been steadily decreasing due to improvements in healthcare access, sanitation, and nutritional levels. However, regional variations are significant, with states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu exhibiting much lower IMRs compared to states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The decline has been attributed to initiatives like the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and improvements in antenatal and postnatal care.
Gender Disparity in Infant Mortality
Despite overall improvements, the female IMR consistently exceeds the male IMR. According to NFHS-5 (2019-21), the IMR for females is 26.4 per 1,000 live births, while for males it is 24.0 per 1,000 live births. This difference, though narrowing, is statistically significant and points to systemic discrimination.
Factors Contributing to Higher Female IMR
Socio-Cultural Factors
- Son Preference: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms and a preference for sons lead to differential treatment of girl children, including inadequate nutrition and healthcare.
- Lower Investment in Girls’ Health: Families may prioritize the health and education of male children, leading to neglect of female infants.
- Early Marriage and Childbearing: Early marriage and subsequent early pregnancies increase the risk of complications for young girls and their infants.
Economic Factors
- Poverty and Lack of Access to Healthcare: Poor families often lack access to quality healthcare services, particularly antenatal and postnatal care, impacting the health of both mothers and infants.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Pregnant women and young girls often suffer from nutritional deficiencies, leading to low birth weight and increased vulnerability to infections.
Healthcare System Factors
- Gender Bias in Healthcare Provision: Studies suggest that healthcare providers may exhibit gender bias, providing suboptimal care to female infants.
- Limited Access to Skilled Birth Attendants: Lack of access to skilled birth attendants, especially in rural areas, increases the risk of complications during childbirth.
Regional Variations
The gender gap in IMR is more pronounced in certain states, particularly those with lower sex ratios and stronger patriarchal norms. States like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab have historically exhibited higher female IMRs compared to states in the South.
| State | IMR (Female - 2021) | IMR (Male - 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 6 | 8 |
| Bihar | 34 | 30 |
| Rajasthan | 32 | 28 |
(Data based on SRS, 2021 – knowledge cutoff. Figures are indicative and may vary slightly.)
Conclusion
Addressing the higher female IMR requires a multi-pronged approach that tackles the underlying socio-cultural and economic determinants. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving access to quality antenatal and postnatal care, promoting gender equality, and empowering women are crucial steps. Continued monitoring of IMR trends, disaggregated by gender and region, is essential to track progress and identify areas requiring targeted interventions. Ultimately, achieving a truly equitable society necessitates ensuring equal value and care for all infants, regardless of their gender.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.